Can You Deck Your Car in Christmas Lights in New York? Here’s What the Law Says

Newest TikTok Trend Gets Vehicles Ready for the Holiday Season

If you're in the holiday spirit and you've been scrolling on TikTok recently, there's a good chance you came across the latest trend.

Decorating your house is a thing of the past! It's all about decking out your car in holiday lights.

@karolarg I hope it helps🎄✨#creatorsearchinsights #christmasdecor #christmaslights #christmascountdown #christmas #carsoftiktok #paratii #fypシ ♬ All I Want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

How festive!

Decorative Lights on Your Car Could Lead to a Ticket in New York State

The New York State Police spoke to News 10 in Albany to get ahead of this new holiday trend. New 10 spoke with the New York State Police earlier this week and they said "A driver may be issued the appropriate citations under New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law regarding the display of lights on a vehicle.” They add:

 “State law allows only white lights on non-emergency vehicles and prohibits any revolving, flashing, or moving lights.”

Law enforcement encourages drivers who want to decorate their cars to stick to the antlers that could be attached to your windows or grill. The Department of Motor Vehicle clarifies, telling NEWS10 that "as long as decorations aren't lighted or obscuring a driver's vision or license plate" it's legal.

Holiday Light Display To Visit Across the Hudson Valley

So you can't decorate your car for Christmas, that doesn't mean the holiday spirit is dead. There are a ton of holiday light displays that you can drive or walk through across the region and the state.

Locally, Kevin McCurdy's Holiday Spirit Fest in Wappingers Falls is a popular stop and will open for their 21st season on November 28th. ERDAJT Christmas Light Display at 8 Patrick Lane in LaGrange turns their display on November 28th, 2025 at 4:45pm.

READ MORE: Dutchess County Light Display to Dazzle Again for the 2025 Holiday Season

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts has created a 1.7 mile drive-thru light display called Peace, Love and Lights, which runs from November 28th through December 28th, 2025.

And A Frosty Fest at The Headless Horseman in Ulster Park opens their doors on Friday November 28th. They will also hold a one-night-only haunted holiday event called Frostbite on December 5th.